What does a cement mason do?

What is a Cement Mason?

Cement masons pour, smooth, and finish concrete floors, sidewalks, roads, and curbs. They are needed wherever a finished surface of concrete is poured.

Some cement masons choose to open their own contracting business, specializing in driveways, sidewalks, patios, and curbs. A very experienced mason can also become a supervisor or an estimator.

What does a Cement Mason do?

Concrete (a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water) is one of the most common and durable materials used in construction. Once set, concrete becomes the foundation for everything from decorative patios and floors, to huge dams and miles of roadways.

Cement masons typically do the following:
- Set the forms that hold concrete in place
- Install reinforcing rebar or mesh wire to strengthen the concrete
- Signal truck drivers to facilitate the pouring of concrete
- Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using a trowel, float, or screed
- Mold expansion joints and edges
- Monitor curing (hardening) to ensure a durable, smooth, and uniform finish
- Apply sealants or waterproofing to protect concrete

The following are types of cement masons:

Cement masons and finishers - place and finish concrete. They may colour concrete surfaces, expose aggregate (small stones) in walls and sidewalks, or make concrete beams, columns, and panels.

Throughout the process of pouring, levelling, and finishing concrete, cement masons monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affects the curing of the concrete. They have a thorough knowledge of the characteristics of concrete so that, by using sight and touch, they can determine what is happening to the concrete and take measures to prevent defects.

Terrazzo workers and finishers - create decorative walkways, floors, patios, and panels. Although much of the preliminary work in pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete is similar to that of cement masons, terrazzo workers create more decorative finishes by blending a fine marble chip into the cement, which is often colored.

Once the terrazzo is thoroughly set, workers correct any depressions or imperfections with a grinder to create a smooth, uniform finish.

What is the workplace of a Cement Mason like?

Concrete work is fast paced and strenuous and often involves kneeling, bending, and reaching. Because many jobs are outdoors, work generally stops in wet weather.

Cement masons must be able to lift and carry heavy materials. For example, the forms into which concrete is poured are often large and heavy. The work, either indoors or outdoors, may be in areas that are muddy, dusty, or dirty.